A married couple sustained injuries after the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) they were travelling in collided with a herd of elephants crossing the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) near Cheneh, Kemaman, last night.
The accident occurred at about 10.20pm at Kilometre 274.6 of the expressway, shortly after the Cheneh Toll Plaza heading towards Kuala Terengganu.
The victims, identified as 54-year-old Abdul Wahid Ismail and his 52-year-old wife, Fauziah Muda @ Jusoh, suffered injuries to their hands in the collision.
Cheneh Fire and Rescue Station operations commander PBK I Zubaderi Dahari said the department received an emergency call at 10.31pm before eight firefighters and a fire engine were dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, firefighters found a Toyota Estima had collided with a herd of elephants that was crossing the highway.
“The victims were removed from the vehicle using a stretcher and given initial treatment before being handed over to the medical team for further care,” he said.
Both victims were later transported to Hospital Kemaman for further treatment.
Meanwhile, Kemaman District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli confirmed police had received a report on the incident.
He said the couple had been travelling from Cheneh to Pasir Gajah and were driving in the left lane when the driver suddenly encountered a herd of elephants crossing the highway.
Due to the close distance, the driver was unable to avoid the animals despite applying the brakes, resulting in the collision.
Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Hospital Kemaman.
The case is being investigated under Rule 10 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
